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Safety Watch on Reynisfjara Beach. No use at all!

Readers Corner

February 09, 2016 14:37Updated: February 09, 2016 19:13

Safety Watch on Reynisfjara Beach. No use at all!

So, here we go again. More tourists nearly washed into the North Atlantic. But why does Sveinn Kristján Rúnarsson of the South Iceland Police think a 'Safety Watch' will have any effect on the way tourists behave when in Iceland? There are several deaths on the roads of Iceland every year due to carelessness, recklessness or simple stupidity. The signs are there, the drivers are warned of the dangers of un-metalled roads and the varying, and dangerous weather conditions. But still there are those who ignore the warnings. Who think they know best or are just simply so arrogant that they refuse to be told.

There are signs warning of the danger at several beaches along the south coast and, for anyone with half a brain, the size of the waves on a very shallow sloping beach is a clear indication of what might happen. If, after all the warnings, people put themselves in danger then let them live, or die, with the consequences. At the end of the day your life is your responsibility. The only sad aspect is that some anonymous people from the emergency service of your chosen destination will have to clear-up the mess you leave in your wake.

My guess is that a Safety Watch will end up doing just that. Watching the tourists, at best, making themselves look foolish or, at worst, washing-up on the next high tide.